Salba seed, the super grain, an Aztec energy secret

[Zer]

Anyone using salba seed? I just heard about this and am curious.

The salba seed is the richest whole food source of fiber and omega 3 fatty acids found in nature. The seed is flavorless and odorless. The salba seed is the only ancient grain for which there are acute and long term human nutritional studies. The salba seed is one of the most nutritional packed foods in the world. It has been labeled "the super grain."

Just read some of the statistics below and you will know why:

Salba seed was awarded the Alive Award of Excellence in 2007 for its nutritional benefits. The seed is also known for its energy benefits. The Aztecs were the first to run across the benefits of this seed. They would feed this seed to their messengers before a long trip so they could endure the long durations of trips. It is also renowned for its ability to help with diabetes. Since the seed is flavorless it can be added to any food.... It basically regulates important functions in the body.

More salba-seed info at The Road To Healthy Living (dot com) as well as advice on finding and using a rebounder to build health. Wonder what the weight limits are for a rebounder with a really steady support bar. Ah, 300#. Well, that might be a good reward for me, when I get myself under 300#.

From what I've read, rebounding helps Aspies to center their skittish minds. That is almost as interesting to me as what rebounding does to activate lymph system.

[Ma Bailey]

I have heard about the Salba Seed, but have never tried it. NOW REBOUNDING I can talk about! I LOVE rebounding. It is the one exercise I do constantly. I sometimes just get on it and do some very slow walking. I have the Urban Rebounder and never use it without the support bar. It is so easy on the feet. I do it barefooted. It seems to work the whole foot better. I live in a very tourist oriented area and it is hard to get out and walk this time of year with all of the car fumes in the air...so I rebound. >^.,.^<

[gharkness]

Originally Posted by Zer

Anyone using salba seed? I just heard about this and am curious. More salba-seed info at The Road To Healthy Living (dot com) as well as advice on finding and using a rebounder to build health. Wonder what the weight limits are for a rebounder with a really steady support bar. Ah, 300#. Well, that might be a good reward for me, when I get myself under 300#.

From what I've read, rebounding helps Aspies to center their skittish minds. That is almost as interesting to me as what rebounding does to activate lymph system.

Salba Seed is just the patented name for Chia seeds. They can be bought right here at Netrition for a LOT more reasonable price.

[Zer]

Originally Posted by gharkness

Salba Seed is just the patented name for Chia seeds. They can be bought right here at Netrition for a LOT more reasonable price.

Ah, good news, as I am building a list for my next Netrition order now. Running low on Bran-a-Crisp (rye) flatbread, a staple LC fiber source. Now I see I can get a good green supplement in Garden of Life Perfect Food, a scoop at a time. Yay! Thanks for this info!

Is this the same chia seed that sprouts to make chia pets for display?

How do you eat? Anyone have a good recipe to introduce a new user to chia or salba seed? I'm just starting to enjoy a little quinoa, mixed with wild rice, as a chewy grain with 'shrooms. Nice side dish. Will chia work the same way?

Ah, yes... This will get me started!

NOW Foods Blanco Salvia White Chia
Chia seeds are one of the best known sources of essential fatty acids, with nearly two-thirds being comprised of Omega-3 as ALA. They are also an excellent source of Omega-6, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, dietary fiber, and protein. The seeds can be eaten on their own or added to salads, cereals, yogurts, etc. to boost nutritional content. Chia Seed Meal can make a nutritious addition to protein shakes, cereals, salads, yogurts, and more.

[Zer]

Oh, a rebounder! Sounds like a great exercise! Just walking? Great!

Originally Posted by Ma Bailey

I have heard about the Salba Seed, but have never tried it. NOW REBOUNDING I can talk about! I LOVE rebounding. It is the one exercise I do constantly. I sometimes just get on it and do some very slow walking. I have the Urban Rebounder and never use it without the support bar. It is so easy on the feet. I do it barefooted. It seems to work the whole foot better. I live in a very tourist oriented area and it is hard to get out and walk this time of year with all of the car fumes in the air...so I rebound. >^.,.^<

I'll check out the Urban Rebounder for weight limits. Need a sturdy support, as I am not very steady on my legs. Neuropathy in feet, from a mid1970s WLSurgery that was reversed as a debacle in malnutrition. From what I've read, there is a benefit to bouncing feet while seated near a rebounder. That may be all I can manage, at my present weight and state of wobbly imbalance. Still...if it helps my lymph system and my Aspie harmony, it will add a lot to my life. Thanks!

[VanjaJames]

Is Salba/Salvia the same Salvia that the aztecs smoked to hallucinate for their spiritual missions?

I have a friend who smokes it. No wonder they call it the super grain....

[Zer]

According to Wikipedia, salba or chia is salvia and is part of the mint family.

Chia seed may be eaten raw as a dietary fiber and omega-3 supplement. Grinding chia seeds produces a meal called pinole, which can be made into porridge or cakes. Chia seeds soaked in water or fruit juice is also often consumed and is known in Mexico as chia fresca. The soaked seeds are gelatinous in texture and are used in gruels, porridges and puddings. Ground chia seed is used in baked goods including breads, cakes and biscuits.

Chia sprouts are used in a similar manner as alfalfa sprouts in salads, sandwiches and other dishes. Chia sprouts are sometimes grown on porous clay figurines which has led to the popular (U.S.) cultural icon of the Chia Pet.

[sassymanal]

I think i might get some for my husband! Thanks

[Locarb4me]

If you or anyone you plan to feed this to has diverticulosis, STOP.

I bought some last year about this time after reading all the hoo-rah about how good they are for you. Well, about 2 weeks after adding them to several different menus (made the gel, added them to smoothies, scrambled them in my eggs, added them to my One Minute Muffins, etc.) I just about landed in the hospital with severe diverticulitis, my very first (and Lord willing, my last) case.

[Zer]

I do know people who worry about any seed - even tomato seeds - as potential problems for a gut that is prone to diverticulosis. It calls for a LOT of care in selecting what food, how food is prepared. Really makes one think about how important it is to chew carefully, to break up tomato seeds and the like for a better digestive process in the stomach. Chew each bite carefully!

[fawn]

When my little produce health food store has them Zer, we use them in our smoothies. They're a fabulous addition and packed with nutrients.

If I see one chia pet commercial this year, I'm going to scream!

[VanjaJames]

Bah. I was going to get these. Me + diverticulitis type foods = bad outcome.

Maybe you could grind up the seeds in a coffee grinder to turn into a powder? Thoughts, anyone?

[Zer]

I'm thinking to get the Greens powder with chia in it, that Netrition has, for a start. I fret that I lack greens and I am not yet up to making Fawn's Shake full of liquified greens with berries, nuts, chia, yoghurt. I'll go with the powder for now, that being something I can stir up.

[fawn]

Vanja, you should be fine putting them in a coffee grinder first.

Zer, that's a great idea. The green powder should be a nice addition for you!

[Locarb4me]

Originally Posted by VanjaJames

Bah. I was going to get these. Me + diverticulitis type foods = bad outcome.

Maybe you could grind up the seeds in a coffee grinder to turn into a powder? Thoughts, anyone?

You go first. If you don't get sick, let me know
I still have at least half a pound of these seeds.

[VanjaJames]

Originally Posted by Locarb4me

You go first. If you don't get sick, let me know
I still have at least half a pound of these seeds.

WHy don't I just plant them on a chia and eat those greens?! Isn't that safer?

Seriously though...I'll give it a go maybe next netrition order. Has anybody ground them up and added liquid? Is it a paste? Whats the consistency? Super gritty? I'm such a baby.

[Locarb4me]

Originally Posted by VanjaJames

WHy don't I just plant them on a chia and eat those greens?! Isn't that safer?

Seriously though...I'll give it a go maybe next netrition order. Has anybody ground them up and added liquid? Is it a paste? Whats the consistency? Super gritty? I'm such a baby.

You know, I used to be a real serious sprouter. I never sprouted chia seeds, because I was low carbing when I discovered them. But I believe sprouts of all kinds are very healthful and personally, that's the only way I would now consume any quantity of certain types of grains and seeds.

You can soak them for a day or so and get a gel that acts like a thickener to other foods. I've probably forgotten most of what I knew about Salba, but you can use google to get LOTS of interesting info and recipes for using it.

As for how they are in the mouth, they are crunchy.

[fawn]

Originally Posted by VanjaJames

WHy don't I just plant them on a chia and eat those greens?! Isn't that safer?

Seriously though...I'll give it a go maybe next netrition order. Has anybody ground them up and added liquid? Is it a paste? Whats the consistency? Super gritty? I'm such a baby.

It gels

[thestreets]

i love rebounders!

We used to have a huge trampoline when I was younger and i would spend hours on that thing with my friends.

i got a small rebounder a few years ago at a sports store for about $30, and i love it. do about 20 mins on it a day for the lymphatic system and just because it is super fun.

[jenna...]

I just bought some Chia.

I plan to grind them and add them to a morning smoothy.

I'll let you know how it goes.

[IdahoAngel]

I LOVE chia seeds! I went off and forgot them at home this time around and I miss them!

Zer ~ I have a chocolate candy recipe that is really yummy! I found it on one of the chia sites (or maybe a raw foods site). Also, chia pudding is yummy! I mix them into water and lemon or lime with some sweetner and drink that as well. I LOVE the mouth feel of the gel for some reason. I've been reading about a garlic salad dressing sounds really good. When I get home next I'm making some of that! I have yet to put them in a smoothie, but imagine they'll be just as great in it too!

[Locarb4me]

For those who may not be familiar with cooking with these:
Recipes

[Tesaje]

I've been using chia seed for about a year now. They are versatile and tasty. Very easy to use. The ground seeds are good in lots of baked goods or mixed with other floury things like coconut or nut flours. They are very absorbent and you need to let them soak so you get the liquid proportions right. You also need to be sure you drink lots of water with them or they may make you constipated.

The chia sprouts are perfectly edible and nutritious. Yes, chia pets are the same thing.

The diverticulitis warning is real. My mother couldn't tolerate them but I am good with them.

[Zer]

Just saw this thread on chia seeds and figure it is worth a look: Chia seed.

[Ma Bailey]

Originally Posted by Zer

Oh, a rebounder! Sounds like a great exercise! Just walking? Great! I'll check out the Urban Rebounder for weight limits. Need a sturdy support, as I am not very steady on my legs. Neuropathy in feet, from a mid1970s WLSurgery that was reversed as a debacle in malnutrition. From what I've read, there is a benefit to bouncing feet while seated near a rebounder. That may be all I can manage, at my present weight and state of wobbly imbalance. Still...if it helps my lymph system and my Aspie harmony, it will add a lot to my life. Thanks!

Hi Again,
I have a friend that has diabetes and it has affected her legs and feet. She sits in a chair and puts one of those huge exercise balls in a corner (on the floor) and uses that to build up strength in her legs and feet. She just pushes against it with her feet. She says it is a little sore at first on her feet but after she gets started it feels pretty good. She does this all while sitting in a chair, being very careful not to tip backwards. I've tried it a couple of times and it really makes the legs feel stronger. She (and I) also have a smaller ball, the kind you see for 99 cents in Walmart, and put that between the knees and squeeze and release (OY...what a workout that is). It really makes the legs stronger.
I don't know if this helps you at all but thought I would mention it.
Good luck to you and keep up the great work...I LOVE reading your posts .
>^.,.^<

[Zer]

Thanks for suggesting ideas that I can ask a visiting PTherapist about Monday - as my HMO has arranged for one to visit me at home to assess my needs and to write up a plan. Big ball sure sounds safer than balancing all of me on a rebounder! Working my legs from a seated position sounds so much better than trying to walk on a hinky hip with a trapped ileopsoas groin muscle (OUCH! each time I swing that leg forward). Thanks! I'm also going to ask a private-pay chiro who will come for home visits, if I ask (and can pay what is surely a fair price for a home visit). Let's hope 2009 is a year in which I gain mobility! Gain mobility and lose pounds! Yay, ME!

Originally Posted by Ma Bailey

I have a friend that has diabetes and it has affected her legs and feet. She sits in a chair and puts one of those huge exercise balls in a corner (on the floor) and uses that to build up strength in her legs and feet. She just pushes against it with her feet. She says it is a little sore at first on her feet but after she gets started it feels pretty good. She does this all while sitting in a chair, being very careful not to tip backwards. I've tried it a couple of times and it really makes the legs feel stronger.

She (and I) also have a smaller ball, the kind you see for 99 cents in Walmart, and put that between the knees and squeeze and release (OY...what a workout that is). It really makes the legs stronger.
I don't know if this helps you at all but thought I would mention it.
Good luck to you and keep up the great work...I LOVE reading your posts.

Thanks! What is the dimension of the smaller ball? Is it a beach ball size? Inflatable? Or more like volleyball size? This sounds do-able!

[Ma Bailey]

It is a volleyball size. It isn't real expensive and gets the blood flowing.

I wish you so much success! Keep your chin up...I'm pushing for ya! >^.,.^<

[Zer]

Volleyball size. Squeeze between knees. I'll ask the PT'ist who is coming Mon, to assess my IMmobility and suggest ways I can improve mobility. Thanks!

Once again, my LCFriends offer useful pointers that go far beyond recipes and diet talk. People are flabbergasted at what I report discovering and learning from my online support group - this wonderful group of LCFriends. Bless y'all!

[klawrence34]

Salba/chia doesn't have to be ground like flax and unlike flax is virtually tasteless. But like flax, when you put it in liquid it gels. You can grind it if you prefer, but it's not necessary. You can sprinkle it on salads, soups (if you eat cooked food) or add them to fresh juice. They're a great source of Omega 3!

[jenna...]

I like to grind mine and use it right then for a smoothie. I drink it before it jellys up.